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Alum donates Bryan material
June 11, 2012

A recent gift of William Jennings Bryan memorabilia has bolstered the college’s collection and stands as a memorial to a member of the Class of 1975.
 

Roger Tittle

Roger Tittle, a 1968 Bryan graduate, presented a metal tray, three plates with Bryan’s picture, a Bryan postcard, and several books during a recent visit to campus. The books included the Memoirs of William Jennings Bryan and The First Battle, a biography, William Jennings Bryan, by John and Genevieve Herrick, a large framed portrait of the Great Commoner, and a set of World’s Greatest Orations edited by Bryan.
 
“This is a wonderful addition to our collection of Bryan material,” college archivist Stephanie Wood said. “We have several dishes that belonged to the Bryan family, but nothing like these campaign pieces.”
 
Mr. Tittle, a history major who worked as a school counselor and worked as state coordinator for school counselors for the West Virginia Department of Education, said he admires Bryan and “I like collecting Bryan stuff. I collected these items over the years. I picked up the picture in an antique shop in Charleston, W.Va.”

Mr. Tittle said the gift to the college was made in memory of his nephew, Steve Parcel, a 1975 graduate who died in 1978.

Stephanie Wood holds the framed picture of William Jennings Bryan which was among items Mr. Tittle gave to the college.

Blake Hudson, vice president for advancement, said the gift helps move the college toward its goal of having a museum and research center about William Jennings Bryan. “Mr. Bryan is one of the most significant figures in American history, and the college named in his memory needs to be a repository for information about him,” he said. “We appreciate the gift Mr. Tittle made, and encourage friends and alumni to consider similar donations.” For more information or to donate a Bryan item, please contact Ms. Wood by email or by calling 423.618.6349.